The Case for Sustainable Leadership

Who better than the owners, managers and supervisors in our green industry to adopt the philosophy of sustainable leadership? Guidance of a company with this intention is much more than merely concern for environmental impact. And the benefits and outcomes are so much more valuable to a greater number of individuals.  

We tend to think of “no harm done” to global resources when we consider sustainability; however, sustainable leadership also takes into consideration the human factor in how we operate our businesses. How do we protect our most valued resource: our people? The guidance, care and development of our colleagues and staff utilizing basic principles of sustainable leadership will set us apart from organizations who operate without. Our workforce is a sacred trust that must not be ignored.

Sustainable leadership is a process of influence that provides direction, alignment and commitment—and aims to address social, environmental and economic issues in order to create a better world. Leadership is not merely a position. It is a ”process of influence” that usually involves a group of people working together to build a company’s shared vision for change, coordinate their activities and encourage personal commitment toward collective success throughout the entire organization. 

Sustainable leaders deliver outcomes that maximize value across the “triple P bottom line” (people and profit as well as planet) to ensure future generations have the same opportunities that we want for all to currently enjoy.

Sustainable leadership matters.
As sustainable leaders, we must engage our workforce intellectually and emotionally as well as physically. Sustainable leadership means building a rock-solid culture that is lived and embodied within every facet of the business.  

Sustainability means enduring leadership.
As leaders, we must plan for our successors well ahead of the need. We need to identify and train future leaders so that when the time comes, the culture is firmly cemented in the DNA of the new people in charge. New leaders are not left with changing gears or directions. The intent, goals and culture of the organization are unshakable.

Sustainable leadership spreads.  
A thoughtful leader spreads the education and training to make everyone a responsible leader within the realm of their own workspace.  A sustainable leader guides and mentors to allow those in his/her care to grow into a place of trust and responsibility so that everyone in the organization feels that the company is a place that can be trusted and that the leadership can be trusted.

Sustainable leadership is just.
Decisions made must be to benefit the whole of the organization, not just the few at the top. This is a part of the culture as well as a vital part of decision making by the leaders.

Sustainable leadership is resourceful.
Leaders are thrifty without being cheap.  Sustainable leadership systems provide intrinsic rewards and extrinsic incentives that attract and retain the best and brightest of the leadership pool.

Sustainable leadership promotes diversity.
Sustainable leadership recognizes and cultivates many kinds of excellence and embraces the value that differences bring to the organization. Excellence is achieved when many are heard and many are involved.

Sustainable leadership pays dividends throughout the company now and in the next generations of leaders.

About 

Deborah Cole is the founder of a commercial landscape firm with multiple locations throughout Texas. She now devotes herself full-time to speaking, writing and consulting.
deborahcoleconnections.com